Walls & Openings -

Air Sealing/Insulation

This guide describes IECC 2009 and 2012 and ENERGY STAR Certified Homes insulation requirements.

This guide describes IECC 2015 and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home insulation requirements.

Guide describing the principal of compartmentalization in multifamily buildings - the separation of dwelling units from each other and from common areas in terms of air flow. Locations where air-sealing is critical to maintain separation of air spaces and air-sealing methods especially for party walls are also described.

Guide describing ways to air-seal an attached garage in new and existing homes.

Guide describing how to air-seal doors that are next to unconditioned spaces.

Guide describing ways to seal drywall to the top plate of an exterior wall to air-seal the wall cavity.

Guide describing how to air-seal electrical wiring throughout a home.

Guide describing how to air-seal common walls between dwelling units in multifamily housing.

Guide describing how to air-seal around plumbing and piping penetrations through walls, ceilings, and floors.

Guide describing how to air-seal sill plates in single-family homes and multifamily buildings.

Guide describing how to air-seal the rough openings around doors and windows.

Guide describing how to insulate and air-seal attic knee walls and floor joist cavities under knee walls.

Guide describing how to air-seal and insulate a cantilevered floor.

Guide describing how to install moisture-resistant materials on walls behind showers and tubs to help manage moisture.

Guide describing vapor retarder permeability, insulation interaction, and example construction in a hot-humid climate.

Guide describing a complete window replacement in existing homes.

Guide describing ways to construct wall assemblies in cold climates to minimize the likelihood of condensation formation inside the walls.

Guide describing how to install continuous air barriers in exterior walls.

Guide describing continuous rigid insulation installation procedures to reduce thermal bridging and help provide thermal protection.

Guide describing air barrier installation, insulation installation, and air-sealing for double walls (half or full walls included in a home design as an architectural feature that provides a more dimensional appearance).

Guide describing the use of doors that are insulated and are impact rated or have protective coverings for resistance to hurricane, high winds, wildfires and thermal losses.

Guide describing wall assemblies and materials that are resistant to destruction from wildfires.

Guide describing how to apply flashing to the bottom of exterior walls to create a continuous drainage plane.

Guide describing how to correctly air-seal a wall with missing top plates or open wall cavities.

Guide describing RESNET Grade 1 level installation of insulation in walls, attics, and floors.

Guide describing how to select the siding materials best suited to withstand hazards the home is likely to face within its lifetime.

Guide describing ways builders can block off entry points and otherwise make homes inhospitable to all manner of pests.

Guide describing insulation techniques for skylight shaft walls.

Guide describing how to install stucco over rigid foam insulation in new and existing homes.

Guide describing techniques for installing insulating sheathing as a continuous drainage plane on walls.

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to separate the porch attic from the conditioned space.

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to walls behind fireplaces.

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to walls behind showers and tubs.

Guide describing wind washing and how to prevent it.

Guide describing how to modify an existing window sash for high-efficient windows.